Programme Manager

Discovery; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider is seeking a PMO Programme Manager to oversee project delivery and governance. Candidates must have 5-7 years in managing complex projects within the financial industry, alongside a relevant Project Management qualification. The ideal individual will ensure successful project outcomes, manage stakeholder relationships, and provide leadership across project teams in a dynamic environment. This role is based in Sandton, Gauteng.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years’ experience managing complex projects in the financial services industry.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities needed.
• Ability to lead multiple project teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the programme successfully against agreed business objectives.
• Manage all project management activities throughout the product delivery lifecycle.
• Engage and work effectively with senior stakeholders.

Skills

Systems thinking

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Project Management qualification or Business degree with PM Topic

PMI accreditation (enhanced)

Job description

Discovery – Vitality RSA PMO Programme Manager

About Discovery

Discovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast‑paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self‑driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating in order to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society.

About Vitality South Africa PMO

The Vitality PMO provides a world class service to internal and external customers in delivering complex programme and projects that support the strategic objectives of our customers. The skills and expertise in the team allows a diverse offering in delivery of end‑to‑end services with expertise in programme and project management – initiatives typically focused on elements such as strategy, product conceptualisation, business transformation, technical & software development, operations, change management and more. Our environment is fast‑paced and demands energy, drive, enthusiasm, ownership and creativity, but it rewards with an extremely fulfilling and stimulating environment that actively supports career growth and development.

Key Purpose

Responsible for planning and governance and for overseeing the successful delivery of the programme’s output/product and must therefore have practical experience of having been a project manager for large and complex initiatives. Acts as an evangelist of the discipline, using opportunities to promote the benefit of a structured & organised approach to change and coordinated effort.

Areas of responsibility may include but not limited to:

• Deliver the programme successfully against agreed business objectives and benefits.
• Manage all project management activities throughout the product delivery lifecycle, ensuring consistency and adherence to governance standards.
• Plan and manage the integrated programme roadmap, including multiple workstreams and interdependencies across projects.
• Engage and work effectively with senior stakeholders to influence decisions and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Manage financials, resource allocation, and change control processes.
• Facilitate regular forums and governance meetings (e.g., progress reviews, SteerCos) to provide visibility and manage expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal business units, external partners, vendors, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Act as the primary point of escalation for stakeholder concerns, ensuring resolution and transparent communication.
• Lead, support, guide, and motivate project teams.
• Produce accurate, timely status reports and dashboards reports.
• Drive programme closure activities, including post‑implementation reviews, lessons learned, and benefits validation.

Personal Attributes and Skills

• Ability to apply systems thinking and align deliverables to strategic objectives.
• Connects with the product construct and understands technical concepts.
• Skilled at managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Strong leadership, ownership, and initiative; works independently.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Effective people management and relationship‑building abilities.
• High resilience under pressure, with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capability.
• Positive, adaptable, and goal‑driven with a sense of urgency and accountability.
• Assertive yet flexible; demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and confidence.

Education and Experience

• At least 5‑7 years’ experience managing complex projects in the financial services industry and a systems development environment.
• Essential: Project Management qualification or Business degree with PM Topic.
• Enhanced: PMI accreditation.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.